Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Alka Upadhyaya, led a Regional Review Meeting in New Delhi today, focusing on the progress of implementation of various programmes and schemes within the animal husbandry and dairy sector. The meeting brought together top officials including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and concerned Directors from Western States and Union Territories (UTs) such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.
Comprehensive Review of Schemes
Secretary Upadhyaya meticulously evaluated the physical and financial advancement of several key schemes including the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), Entrepreneurship Development under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). She stressed the importance of optimal utilization and disposal of unspent balances under these schemes and urged states to swiftly finalize and submit their annual action plans and financial demands for the upcoming fiscal year.
Secretary Upadhyaya emphasized breed improvement, efficient vaccination practices, and the augmentation of feed and fodder production. She urged states to prioritize the export of dairy products and work towards establishing disease-free zones to facilitate smoother exports, thereby bolstering the dairy industry's growth.
Emphasis on Livestock Insurance and Infrastructure Development
Underlining the significance of livestock insurance, Secretary Upadhyaya urged State Animal Husbandry Departments (AHD) to concentrate on fodder seed production and the development of robust infrastructure to enhance healthcare services for livestock. She encouraged states to vigorously promote entrepreneurship within the sector, leveraging the benefits offered by schemes like the NLM and AHIDF. Additionally, she stressed the importance of establishing Milk Producer Companies and dairy cooperatives as strategic measures to fortify the dairy industry's structure and sustainability.
Her comprehensive review and strategic directives underscored the government's commitment to fostering growth and development in this vital sector, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and economic prosperity for stakeholders across Western States and UTs.
